A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 33-1-103, RELATING TO DESIGNATION OF REPRESENTATION IN MAGISTRATES COURT, SO AS TO INCLUDE HOUSING AUTHORITIES.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 33-1-103 of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   Section 33-1-103.   A corporation or partnership, as defined in this section, or a housing authority may designate an employee or principal of the corporation or partnership to represent it in magistrates' court. This designation must be in writing and must be submitted to the magistrate at the time the initial pleading in the case is filed by the party. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 5 of Title 40 or any other provision of law, the person so designated, while representing the corporation, or partnership or housing authority in magistrates' court, is not engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

   As used in this section, a corporation or partnership is defined as a general partnership, a limited liability partnership, a limited liability company, a limited partnership, a professional association, a professional corporation, a nonprofit corporation, a business corporation, or a statutory close corporation.

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

----XX----